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New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says his government will inject an additional NZ$3 million into completing a long distance bike trail as the country continues to cement its place as one of the world's most desirable bicycle touring destinations. The PM, who is also the Minister for Tourism, said the funds will be distributed as part of the 2015/16 budget to complete the Twin Coast Cycle Trail Pou Herenga Tai on the North Island. About 41km of the trail is already open to the public, with about 43km awaiting construction.

The Victorian Government is set to start work on a $7.4 million bike trail that will connect Melbourne to country Victoria, providing a vital link for both commuters and bike tourists in the region. Bicycle Network reported that the government is starting construction on a 10.3km bike path along the O'Shannassy Water Pipe between Lilydale and the Dandenong Creek Trail in Bayswater North.

Melbourne is already the envy of cities such as Sydney when it comes to its bikability, but cycling in Australia's second most populated city is about get even better, according to the City of Melbourne council.

The City of Melbourne said Tuesday that work has started on creating a new four-year action plan to becoming a cycling city, targeting the years 2016-2020. The plan will build upon works completed under the 2007-2011 and 2012-2016 plans.

The popularity of Europcar's bike-rack fitted vehicles has proved so successful in Australia that the hire car company is expanding the concept to New Zealand. With tourist numbers to New Zealand predicted to rise, Europcar is preparing to cater to travellers who cycle with a fleet of SUVs fitted with Thule ProRide bike carriers.

As NSW prepares to head to the polls, the National Roads & Motorists' Association (NRMA) has called on the next state government to invest more in cycling infrastructure, including the completion of a promised 'minimum grid' of connected bicycle lanes in Sydney's central business district.

It's the most famous drive in the United States, and now cyclists too can get their kicks on Route 66 as they pedal their way across America between Chicago and Santa Monica. Bicycle Route 66, the 24th route by the Adventure Cycling Association, captures a vast cross section of the US landscape and its people, stretching 2,493 miles (4,012km) over eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. “The vision for Bicycle Route 66 is the same as the original vision for Route 66, which was to connect the main streets of rural and urban communities,” said Ginny Sullivan, Adventure Cycling’s director of travel initiatives.

Candidates from Australia's new cycling political party are preparing to contest their first NSW state election this month amid the state's relatively low cycling infrastructure spending. On 28 March, 15 candidates from the Australian Cyclists Party (ACP) will run for seats in the NSW Upper House and seven for the Lower House, including Balmain, Newtown, Newcastle, Manly, Willoughby, North Shore and Goulburn. A list of Candidates appears on the ACP website.

The cycle touring community was deeply saddened this week to learn of the tragic death of around-the-world cyclists Juan Francisco Guillermo, who was struck by a vehicle while riding in Thailand. His death is a poignant reminder in the trust we place in the actions of others each time we embark on a bicycle journey. This trust, however, is perhaps one of the most endearing and addictive elements of cycle touring – discarding the habitually boxed-in conditioning of modern-day lifestyles and embracing freedom and discovery in a way that makes us vulnerable to the world around us. This vulnerability is not necessarily a negative thing; in most of its incarnations, it's beautiful. It restores our belief in the kindness of humanity as those around us reach out instinctively to protect us by offering food, shelter, kind words and friendship. We also become vulnerable to the elements, once again, not in a negative sense, but in a restorative way that allows us to connect with the world around us and admire the workings of nature.

Victoria is firmly cementing its name as the cycling holiday state, with the Great Southern Rail Trail in South Gippsland slowly but surely growing into another safe long-distance ride. The latest extension to the Great Southern, a 10km stretch between Toora and Welshpool, opened on 7 February 2015, taking the total length between Leongatha and Welshpool via Foster to 68km. And the council is eyeing further growth.

Tasmania has become the latest state to adjust its road rules affecting cyclists as the country continues to slowly progress towards making the roads a safer place for bicycle riders. “When passing or overtaking a cyclist, a motorist will soon be able to straddle or cross a continuous centre line in order to leave a safe space between their vehicle and the cyclist, when it is safe to do so,” Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly, said in a statement. “We want Tasmanians to feel safe travelling around our community, whether cycling, driving or walking, and are committed to enhancing road safety.”

Cycle Traveller is the online bicycle touring blog for routes, maps, resources and news about cycling around Australia. Be inspired, connect with other cyclists and plan your adventure! Founded in 2012, the Cycle Traveller community is continually growing. If you have a story to tell, information to share or a question to ask, please contact us. You can share information via our forum, or send us an email. Happy riding!